Care of Silk Products

Silk is a natural and delicate material with a smooth surface and characteristic soft sheen. Silk garments feel pleasant against the skin and can retain their beautiful appearance for a long time when cared for properly. However, silk fibres are sensitive to high temperatures, harsh detergents, excessive friction, and improper drying. The good news: caring for silk products is simple if you follow a few basic rules.

How to wash silk products correctly?

Silk products should be washed gently, preferably by hand. Before washing, always check the care label, as some silk items may require professional dry cleaning only.

For hand washing:

  1. Fill a basin with cool or slightly warm water.
  2. Add a small amount of liquid detergent for silk or delicate fabrics.
  3. Dissolve the detergent completely in the water.
  4. Place the item in the water and gently press it with your hands.
  5. Do not rub, stretch, or twist the fabric.
  6. Rinse carefully in clean water at approximately the same temperature.

Important: do not leave silk products soaking for a long time. Prolonged contact with water may affect the fibre structure, shape, and appearance of the fabric.

What water temperature should be used?

Silk products should be washed in water no warmer than 30°C.

Water that is too hot may:

  • cause shrinkage,
  • affect the colour of the fabric,
  • reduce its natural sheen,
  • weaken the delicate fibres,
  • cause the item to lose its shape.

Cool water is safer for silk, and sudden changes in water temperature during washing and rinsing should be avoided.

Which detergent is suitable for silk?

Silk products should be washed with a mild liquid detergent specifically designed for silk or delicate fabrics.

It is best to avoid:

  • harsh washing powders,
  • detergents with a whitening effect,
  • strong stain removers,
  • detergents containing enzymes,
  • using too much detergent.

Use only a small amount of detergent and rinse the item thoroughly so that no residue remains on the fabric.

Can silk be bleached? 

Silk products should not be bleached. Chlorine-based and other harsh bleaching agents may damage the natural fibres, alter the colour of the fabric, and reduce its natural sheen.

Even for white silk items, use only products that are specifically stated by the manufacturer to be suitable for natural silk.

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Can silk products be wrung or twisted?

Silk products should not be wrung or twisted. Natural silk fibres are particularly sensitive to mechanical stress when wet, so strong twisting may stretch or deform the fabric.

After washing, it is better to:

  • allow excess water to drain gently,
  • lightly blot the item with a clean towel,
  • avoid twisting or stretching the fabric.

Do not squeeze the item firmly by hand or use a high-speed machine spin.

Can silk be tumble dried?

Silk products should not be tumble dried. High temperatures and the mechanical action of the drum may cause shrinkage, deformation, and fibre damage.

Even low-temperature drying programmes should only be used if they are specifically permitted on the care label.

How should silk be dried?

Silk products should be dried naturally, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

For proper drying:

  • gently smooth the item into shape,
  • restore its original form,
  • dry it in a well-ventilated area,
  • keep it away from direct sunlight,
  • do not place it on a radiator or heater.

Direct sunlight may affect the colour of silk, while intense heat may damage the structure of the fibres.

How should silk products be ironed?

Silk products should be ironed at a low temperature using the Silk setting on the iron.

For safe ironing:

  • check the care instructions on the label,
  • iron the item inside out,
  • use the lowest suitable temperature,
  • do not leave the iron on one area for too long.

Excessive heat may leave shiny marks, affect the fabric structure, or damage the fibres.

Can silk be ironed with steam?

Silk products should be steamed with care. Steam should only be used if it is permitted by the manufacturer.

If steaming is allowed:

  • use the lowest temperature suitable for silk,
  • do not direct a strong flow of steam onto one area for too long,
  • avoid excessive moisture on the fabric.

Before ironing or steaming, always check the care symbols on the garment label.

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